Well, he is 'iffy', but still better than anything we have at that position. I doubt if he'd sign any kind of an incentive laden contract when other teams are willing to pay him real money up front. I can't blame him, and I can't blame our front office for having doubts about his body.

A source tells the Miami Herald the Dolphins made a "low-ball attempt" to lock-up impending free agent LT Jake Long during the season.

The Dolphins have sent mixed signals on the former No. 1 pick, but it's clear they're not going to sign him to a deal his pre-injury reputation would have commanded. That could be a problem, as a team source tells the Herald Long "likes the idea of being the best at what he does and one way he proves to everyone that he is is by being the highest paid at what he does." According to the source, there's a "considerable amount of professional ego." With neither side sounding willing to negotiate on the other's terms, it's looking more likely Long will walkhttp://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/50564434/ ... ayer_news/

"Jake [Long] has a decision to make, we have a decision to make. It's a very, very difficult decision, complicated negotiation," Ireland said. Ireland also wouldn't rule out using the franchise tag this season. Long made $11.2 million in 2012, and the tentative franchise number for offensive tackles in 2013 is a $9.66 million.http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/50552469/ ... ayer_news/

The number is 9.66 million, but you can't make less than 110% (or 120%, can't remember exactly) of what you made last season under the tag. So it would have to be closer to 13 million. No thank you. I don't think Ireland is really considering that.

Sean Smith is the only player I think has a legitimate chance of getting tagged.

The problem that both parties are running into is Long wants to continue to get paid like he's the top offensive tackle in the NFL. Unfortunately, he's not even the best tackle in our division anymore. I like Jake Long, he's a great player. But honestly he's just too risky. The guy seems to be physically breaking down at a very early age. If the Dolphins are considering a long term contract, it had better be one that requrires Long to stay healthy and play all 16 games every season. The guaranteed money would have to be minimal. I have no problem paying the guy if he stays healthy and plays. I have a huge problem with giving such a risky player guaranteed money. We need to learn our lesson from the Smiley and Grove signings a few years back.

In listening to some talk shows like Mike and Mike and Cowherd it seems like low ball offers are common especially this time of year and a lot of teams wait until the last min. to get serious with players in negotiations.

In listening to some talk shows like Mike and Mike and Cowherd it seems like low ball offers are common especially this time of year and a lot of teams wait until the last min. to get serious with players in negotiations.

Exactly. Why would you bid against yourself?

I can't begin to tell you how many times my mind has changed over who they will re-sign and who they will get in free agency. I think Ireland's comments were very telling about the team, especially the WRs (no one getting TDs).

I think Miami re-signs Fasano, Garner and Clemons because they will be bargains. I think Starks is the one guy they might overpay to keep. The rest get overpaid elsewhere.

I think Jennings will be a Dolphin, and a guy like Freeney might be brought in as a pass rusher (doesn't have to play every down, but can be a good veteran presence). If Cook or Keller hit the market I expect Miami to make a strong play but my beer gut tells me Miami might aggressively pursue a TE in the draft.

This is a "dont know what you got till its gone" situation... aight, let's count on Jonathan Martin next year... we'll all be crying when Tannehill gets creamed.

There is still free agency and draft before any lineup is made. Martin isn't the only option. If Miami dropped big money to grab Wallace, Jennings and Keller, and spent its 1st round pick on a guy like Eric Fisher then I doubt anyone would be crying. Heck, there might even be a serviceable replacement at the 42nd pick.

I think you guys are underestimating how hard it is to find an elite LT nowadays.

Elite LTs are making half as much as what you're saying you'd be OK with paying Long. Players that are better than Long today get much less than he does.

That's not value.

exactly! And there are 7 or 8 tackles in this draft I'd be comfortable with at tackle for us.It's more about us getting the right receivers for this offense so Tanny can get the ball out of his hands quicker than he did this year. That can made any offensive line unit look good.